CO882-(8-9) — Page 118

4

able that a higher value should be aimed at in any case, but it would be well to reach the 2s. rate unless great difficulties are experienced in attempting to arrive at that figure.

10340

No. 5.

I have, &c.,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

5

currency in the Straits Settlements, and for the adoption of a special Straits Settle- ments dollar, to be of the same weight and fineness as the British dollar. This coin would ultimately supersede the Mexican and British dollars. The Secretary of State for the Colonies enquires whether, if the Committee's recommendations be adopted, you would be prepared to undertake the coinage of the new Straits Settle- ments dollar, and if so, on what terms (a) in the case of recoining Mexican and British dollars into the new Straits coin, and (b) in the case of coining silver bullion for the new coinage, and at what speed the coins could be supplied. I shall be glad if, when replying to me you will also telegraph the substance of your answer to the Governor of the Straits Settlements.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 882

9

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON,

(Confidential.)

SIR,

COLONIAL OFFICE to INDIA OFFICE.

[Answered by No 6.]

Downing Street, 23rd April, 1903. I AM directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to transmit to you, to be laid before Lord George Hamilton, two copies of a report (with minutes of evidence and appendices)* submitted to him by a Committee appointed to consider the expedi ency and practicability of introducing a gold standard of currency in the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States. A copy of a despatcht which is being addressed to the Governor of the Colony is also enclosed.

Mr. Chamberlain would be much obliged if the Government of India could undertake the coinage of the new Straits Settlements dollar, in the event of a decision being finally taken to adopt the Committee's recommendations. I am to request that you will move his Lordship to ascertain as soon as possible whether the Indian Government could undertake it, and if so, on what terms: (a) in the case of recoining British and Mexican dollars into the new Straits coin; and (b) in the case of coining silver bullion for the purposes of the new coinage: and at what speed they would be able to supply the coins.

It would be convenient if the Government of India would inform the Governor of the Straits Settlements direct of the nature of the replies which they are returning to these enquiries.

I am to add that the enclosed report should be kept confidential until the Governor of the Colony has had an opportunity of considering it, and of deciding the date on which it should be made public.

I am, &c.,

15600

SIR,

(C'onfidential.)

No. 6.

INDIA OFFICE to COLONIAL OFFICE. (Received 28th April, 1903.)

C. P. LUCAS.

India Office, Whitehall, London, S.W., 27th April, 1903.

I AM directed to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Lucas's letter, No. 10340/ 1903, of 23rd instant,‡ regarding the proposed introduction of a gold standard of currency in the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States, and in reply to forward, for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, a copy of a telegram addressed to the Viceroy of India on the subject.

Lord Curzon's reply will be communicated to you at once on receipt.

I have, &c.,

LIONEL ABRAHAMS,

Financial Secretary.

15600

No. 7.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.

(Sent 4.20 p.m., 1st May, 1903.) TELEGRAM.

[Answered by No. 15.] *

Confidential despatch went by last mail sending report Currency Committee, which you have already received privately, and sanctioning recommendations referred to in paragraphs 57 and following, if you agree after consultation with your advisers in adopting gold standard, and referring to steps necessary to carry out change. Government of India has been asked confidentially by telegraph let you know whether Indian Mints could coin new dollar, and if so on what terms.— CHAMBERLAIN.

16016

No. 8.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 11.20 a.m., 2nd May, 1903.)

TELEGRAM.

[Answered by No. 9.]

Executive Council agree with me to adopt all recommendations of Currency Committee.

First requirement is design for new dollar. I trust a more artistic coin than trade dollar can be obtained.

I propose to now publish Currency Report, and discuss it in Legislative Council. Do you approve!-SWETTENHAM.

16016

No. 9.

Enclosure in No. 6.

From SECRETARY OF STATE to VICEROY, 24th April, 1903. P.--Confidential. The report of the Committee on Straits Settlements Currency contains recommendations for the introduction of a gold standard of

‡ No. 5.

* [Cd. 1556] and [Cd. 1585] of 1903,

† No. 3.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.

(Sent 5.20 p.m., 4th May, 1903.) TELEGRAM.

Referring to your telegram of 2nd May,† agree to publication of report; dis- cussion Legislative Council should be deferred till after receipt of my confidential despatch of 23rd April.*-CHAMBERLAIN.

• No. 3.

† No. 8.

6